Subject:  Guidelines for Productive Lab Computing Environment
Date:     Thu Oct 16 20:47:58 PDT 2003


1)  Please notify me before installing new software, services,
    or devices on common computers.  This will help me to
    standardize installation of useful applications across the
    lab and to help lab members be aware of their benefits.
 
2)  Please store personal files on the Users drives.  Avoid storing
    files on the C: drive, such as on the Desktop, or in
    My Documents.  Any files found on the C: drive may be deleted
    without warning.
 
3)  You are ultimately responsible the safety of your data.
    So a good practice is to backup your data files regularly
    to external media, which can be stored in multiple locations.
 
4)  If you take the time to report problems such as malfunctioning
    hardware, software, or peripherals, or when supplies are low,
    or when hard drive storage is nearing capacity, then I can tend
    to them in a timely fashion.
 
5)  Please close all files and programs when you leave a
    workstation.  If you must leave programs or files open and
    unattended, please leave a signed, date-time-stamped note.
    Note that some computers in the lab are configured for
    automated rebooting, so there is a possibility that files
    which are left running can be damaged as a result of the
    scheduled shutdowns.
 
6)  Use the posted checkout sheet in 330A Kerckhoff when
    borrowing software.  Avoid using the original CDROMs, which
    are expensive to replace if they are damaged.  Use the
    lab CDR backup copies, which can be easily replicated.

7)  Shut down computers before and unplut the power cord before
    connecting or disconnecting PS/2 mice, scanners, SCSI
    peripherals, Digitizer hookups, and internal cards and
    components.
 
8)  Install an anti-virus program on personal computers, and
    update it on a weekly schedule.  Caltech has a sitewide
    license for Symantec Norton Anti-Virus.  For more info,
    see
 
    http://www.its.caltech.edu/~halweb/pc/software/sitewide.txt
 
9)  I would like to hear your suggestions for improving lab
    computing support.  Please share your thoughts.
 
Thank you.
---Pam